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AUSTRAC Tranche 2 AML/CTF Obligations (2026)

AML/CTF Obligations for Accountants

Under Tranche 2 reforms, accountants and tax agents who handle client funds, trust accounts, or financial transactions are now captured under the AML/CTF Act. This page explains exactly what you must do to comply.

Learn more in the AML/CTF Guide.

When Are Accountants Captured Under Tranche 2?

You are captured if you provide any **designated service**, including:

Managing client funds or trust accounts

Handling payments, transfers, or financial transactions

Providing instructions for financial dealings

Acting as an intermediary in transactions

Providing services that involve high‑risk clients

Assisting with company or trust formation

If you perform any of these activities, you must comply with the AML/CTF Act — even if you are a sole trader or small practice.

What Accountants Must Do to Comply

1. AML/CTF Programme (Part A & B)

You must maintain a written AML/CTF Programme that explains your governance, risk assessment, controls, and CDD procedures.

2. ML/TF Risk Assessment

You must assess the money laundering and terrorism financing risks associated with your clients, services, and delivery channels.

3. Customer Due Diligence (CDD)

You must verify client identity, understand their purpose, and apply enhanced due diligence for high‑risk clients.

4. Suspicious Matter Reporting (SMR)

You must report suspicious matters to AUSTRAC within 3 business days (or 24 hours for terrorism‑related matters).

5. Record Keeping

You must keep AML/CTF records, CDD evidence, and SMR logs for at least 7 years.

6. Ongoing Monitoring

You must monitor client activity, update risk assessments, and review your AML/CTF Programme annually.

See full requirements in the AML/CTF Guide.

How AML Shield Pro Helps Accounting Firms

AML Shield Pro is purpose‑built for accountants and tax agents. It generates your AML/CTF Programme, ML/TF Risk Assessment, CDD templates, SMR logs, and audit‑ready documents — all in under an hour.

AML/CTF Programme Builder

Generate Part A & B automatically.

Risk Assessment Builder

Identify and score ML/TF risks.

CDD Templates

Verify clients and store evidence.

SMR Logging

Track suspicious matters with timestamps.

Build Your AML/CTF Programme in Under 60 Minutes

Avoid AUSTRAC penalties and stay compliant with Tranche 2. AML Shield Pro makes compliance simple, fast, and affordable.

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